If you think you have a cavity, you should reach out to our Buffalo dentist right away to get this taken care of. If you leave a cavity untreated, the damage can be serious. Please keep on reading to learn about the option to get a composite filling for a cavity and then give our office a call to set up a free consultation. We would be glad to set up an appointment for you.
What is a Cavity?
You can get a cavity if you have plaque built up for a little while. Tartar is a cavity-causing calcified version of plaque that can eat away at the enamel of your tooth.
Cavities are essentially tooth decay. Your tooth can decay so much that it falls out or causes infection. If you have a cavity from tartar or plaque, you are also at risk of having inflammation on the gums.
Essentially, if you are not taking care of your teeth, cavities are among a long list of problems that you can end up dealing with. It’s important, to avoid suffering worse, you get to a dentist immediately.
Do I Need a Composite Filling?
Gone are the days of amalgam fillings that left shiny silver specks in the mouths of people who have cavities. There has been much concern over the safety of metal fillings for cavities as there is mercury in the mixture of metals used to fill a cavity.
A composite filling is made from ceramic and plastic. They are the same color as your teeth so that you cannot tell what color your natural tooth is. Because they do not have the same level of drilling needed to bond to your tooth, you get to keep more of your natural tooth. The good news is that, if you have dental insurance, you likely can get this treatment covered.
You would need a composite filling if there were decay in your teeth. It is definitely used for more than cavities. You can get composite fillings for cracks and broken teeth. Amalgam fillings are still used in some places, but composite fillings have been dubbed the better option by many patients who do not want to risk the harm of a mercury metal in their mouth and who do not want their fillings to be so visible.
The Procedure of Getting a Composite Filling
Some people are very nervous at the dentist. Getting a cavity filled should not cause very much discomfort. We do numb the area which can help with anxiety. We gently drill or laser the portion of your tooth that is damaged by decay. You will then have the tooth thoroughly cleaned.
Your dentist will fill the area in lawyers of composite that gets hardened by lights. Once they are satisfied with the filling, the composite resin gets shaped to become invisible. We also make sure that it will not affect your bite alignment.
Call Our Buffalo Dentist Today
Our Buffalo dentist, Dr. Todd Shatkin, is here to help. When you have a cavity and need a composite filling, we would like to hear from you as soon as possible. Cavities should not be ignored. When you call our office as soon as possible, we can get you in our appointment book right away.
